Sorry for the late update. I think future updates will be faster. I haven't abandoned this story.

Cheers

Zik~

Chapter 10 – Yes, she smiles

It was a while later when Harry returned to Grimauld place. Dinner at the Davis' had been an amusing affair and Harry would have given the lovely spread more thought had it not been for the presence of Daphne Greengrass.

Harry had felt her presence before he had even seen her walk from the fireplace. Surprisingly, she did not react as badly to his presence as their earlier meetings. She had stayed quiet throughout dinner and from the looks of concern the others were giving her, it seemed uncommon.

Tracey Davis was another matter altogether. She had been very chatty and often ended up getting reprimanding looks from her father whenever she got overboard with her questions to Harry.

Her questions on the Chamber of Secrets and Harry's time on the run did get a few raised eyebrows across the room. Not that Harry gave much notice to any of that. He couldn't help but steal glances at Daphne. He could only wonder what was going on in her mind. She seemed like a nice person with how she interacted with the people around her, him being the only exception – so far. He knew she had fought in the Battle of Hogwarts against the Death Eaters and her parents seemed to be really nice people.

Harry couldn't understand what was it with him that rubbed her in the wrong way. Throughout dinner he had contemplated on multiple theories as to what he had supposedly done.

Therefore, it came as a surprise to him when after dinner she had sought him out separately for a word. She had led him to small balcony outside the hall and they had stood there for a few minutes neither saying anything. She seemed to have been contemplating her words and Harry was waiting for her to say something.

Finally, she had broken the silence and in all the conversations he had had with her so far this was the most hesitant he had heard her sound.

Surprisingly, she had first of all apologized for her treatment of him during their last few meetings. Harry could hear her voice wavering as she tried to explain herself but he had stopped her by looking at her and placing a finger to his lips to indicate that she didn't need to talk.

There was something about Daphne, the way she was standing, the way she was talking, her body language, that made Harry understand. He understood now what she was feeling. How could he not? He was feeling the emotion radiating from her being. There was just something which was screaming at him from inside of her at a wavelength only he could understand. And in that moment he understood how overwhelmed she was feeling about everything. He could feel glimpses of her helplessness and doubts.

How he could he feel all that, he was none the wiser. But the fact was that he could. She didn't need to explain herself. He wanted her to know that. He wanted her to know that she didn't have to explain herself to him. So, he looked at her, put a finger to his lips and silently communicated with her. Reassuring her that it was alright. Calming her internal turmoil. Easing her thoughts with his silent support.

They had stayed like that for a few moments. Understanding each other on a level neither thought possible before this. He had looked at her with a comforting gaze only possible from someone who had felt before what she was feeling. Feeling small, overwhelmed and scared. Yes! He had felt all that before. More times than he could care to remember. But he had overcome. Through friendship and love, he had overcome. And in that moment, he decided that she will too. They all will. In a new world, they all will overcome and accomplish.

And somehow, he knew that she understood him as he had her because as they stood there, her expression shifted to that of a certain resolve. A fire in her eyes that ignited something in him and finally he could see it, breaking out on her face was the familiar hint of a smile. It was beautiful.

"I see you are taking the payment of your life debt seriously, Miss Greengrass." He had said. He could still remember color rushing on her cheeks. He would be lying if he said that he didn't like her reaction.

Harry was excited. Tomorrow he will be going to the Orphanage. Finally, he will be meeting the kids and spend time doing something that will give him happiness. His excitement had nothing to do with the fact that she will be there, did it?

-/-\\-

"So basically, that's how the volunteer program will work. Does anyone have any questions?" Sheena asked the gathered people after giving an overview of the orphanage facilities and operations and a quick brief about the volunteer program.

Harry was impressed by the team's effort to put together the idea which would utilize the volunteers as mentors rather than as help around the facility. As fairly pointed out by Sheena, the house elves were already taking care of the smooth running of the facilities. What they needed was people to help mentor the children, assist in sports and learning activities and in general help integrate the children into the wizarding world. This was mainly because majority of the children were unaware of their magical abilities and limits.

As the silent donor, Harry, through his correspondence with Reginald's team was already aware of the application that had been made to the Ministry of Magic to allow them to absorb magical children staying in muggle orphanages. While that was still in process it was very important to create an environment conducive for the development of magical children.

Harry was also happy to see a good turnout. Most of his DA friends were there and he could also see people from different age groups attend. They were around 50 people altogether. Sheena was joined by Daphne, Tracy and Reginald who were now organizing people into groups. The idea was to have same age people together so that activities could be coordinated accordingly. Younger people could be more actively involved in more physical activities while older people could help in counselling groups, accidental magic control sessions, etiquette and wizarding history sessions.

"I suppose there is no use separating your three. I mean if You-Know-Who and his couldn't then what chance do I have, right?" Tracey asked playfully indicating him, Ron and Hermione.

Ron just laughed while Hermione flustered up a bit.

"No. I think we should take part in separate groups. I think it's a good opportunity for us to meet new people." Harry said with a contemplative look on his face.

"I think that's a good idea." Hermione stated giving a look to Ron who was about to protest.

"I suppose it wont hurt." Ron acquiesced.

Tracy seemed surprised by the turn of events but helped them sort into different groups. Harry was paired with an older boy who he recalled be in Ravenclaw and a girl that he didn't recognize.

After quick introductions Harry found out that the boy was called Graham Winters and the girl who had attended Beauxbaton was called Emily Selbourne. Their group along with a few others was led by Tracy while he saw Daphne leading a few groups, including Hermione's, the other side.

Harry hadn't yet had the chance to exchange pleasantries with Daphne. She had been occupied whenever he had looked towards her apart from that one time when both of them had looked at each other at the same time and in that moment they had acknowledged each other.

As the volunteer groups organized themselves and began engaging in various activities with the children, Harry found himself starting to enjoy the experience more than he had anticipated. The laughter of the kids, the genuine smiles on their faces, and the sense of camaraderie among the volunteers made the whole atmosphere feel warm and fulfilling.

Throughout the day, Harry observed Daphne from a distance. She seemed to be in her element, effortlessly connecting with the children and fellow volunteers. He admired the way she handled herself, her kindness shining through in her interactions.

As the activities progressed, Harry's group got involved in teaching basic broomstick techniques to the children. He watched as Graham and Emily patiently guided the young ones, offering tips and encouragement. Harry, with his own Quidditch experience, joined in to provide additional assistance.

After a particularly successful broomstick flying session, the children's laughter echoed through the air. Harry couldn't help but grin as he saw their excited faces, and for a moment, he forgot about the worries and challenges that had been a constant presence in his life.

Later, during a break, Harry finally found himself walking towards Daphne, who was conversing with Tracy and a few other volunteers. As he approached, he caught her eye and offered a friendly smile. She returned it, and the tension that had once existed between them seemed to have dissipated.

"Hey," Harry greeted as he joined the group.

"Hey, Harry," Tracy replied. "Looks like the kids had a blast with the broomsticks."

"Yeah, they did," Harry agreed. "It's amazing to see them having so much fun."

Daphne nodded in agreement. "It's a beautiful sight. I'm glad to be a part of this."

When the day came to a close, and the volunteers and children gathered for a final group activity, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. He exchanged a knowing glance with Daphne, their unspoken understanding a testament to the connection they had formed over the course of the day.

Harry felt a sense of solidarity with Daphne that he hadn't expected. The day had brought about a positive change in their relationship, and he looked forward to more opportunities to get to know her better. Harry slipped beside Daphne as they walked out with Ron and Hermione walking a few steps ahead. The day had been fulfilling, and the volunteers were starting to wind down.

"You know," Daphne said, her voice soft, "despite the awkwardness, I'm glad we had this chance."

Harry glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Me too. I think we've made progress, even if it's just baby steps."

Daphne chuckled softly. "Yeah, baby steps are good."

Harry noticed Ron and Hermione engaged in conversation up ahead. "Speaking of baby steps," he said, gesturing toward his friends, "looks like those two have taken a few of their own."

Daphne followed his gaze and smirked. "Oh, indeed. Looks like Weasley's finally making some progress."

As they neared Ron and Hermione, the couple's voices became clearer.

"—and then the kid just started waving his wand around like he was swatting flies," Ron was saying, a mixture of amusement and disbelief on his face.

Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly, Ron, children are curious. Magic is new to them. It's all part of the learning process."

Ron rolled his eyes playfully. "Right, right. Learning process. But seriously, I thought the lad was going to accidentally transfigure himself into a rabbit."

Hermione chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "I'm sure that's highly unlikely, even for a novice wizard."

Harry and Daphne joined them, and Ron shot Harry a grin. "Harry, you should've seen it. It was like a miniature wizarding duel between the kid and his own wand."

Harry laughed. "Sounds like an eventful day."

Hermione turned to Daphne with a warm smile. "Hi Daphne, how was your group today?"

Daphne nodded, her composure calm as ever. "It went well. We introduced them to some basic magical creatures and talked about the importance of magical creatures in our world."

Ron leaned in, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Any young Hagrids in your group?"

Daphne smirked. "Not quite, though there was a young girl who seemed particularly interested in kneazles. Who knows, maybe she'll grow up to be the next Kneazle Caretaker."

Everyone chuckled, the easy acquaintance flowing between them. The conversation continued as they strolled back towards the center of the volunteer area.

"Are you excited about tomorrow, Harry?" Hermione asked, curiosity evident in her tone.

Harry's eyes lit up. "Absolutely. I can't wait to spend more time with the kids. It's been a great experience."

Ron patted Harry on the back. "Just make sure they don't challenge you to a Quidditch match. You might end up with a team of tiny chasers."

They all shared a laugh, the awkwardness that had once defined their interactions now replaced with a sense of genuine friendship. And as they walked together, talking and laughing, Harry felt a deep sense of gratitude for the bonds he had forged over the years and the new connections he was building.

Harry was awed with Daphne's laughter. It felt as if this was the first time he was meeting her. To think that the Ice Queen could have such a beautiful and genuine smile.